Janessa Rowe is a twenty one year old college girl with little respect for other people. She’s a rich, spoiled brat of a girl who gets her kicks out of humiliating others. When she discovers that her boyfriend of three years has in fact engaged in a physical relationship with someone else, Janessa will stop at nothing to get a little payback. Even if that means using her new rival’s disgruntled fiancée to get what she wants. Dakota Blackwater is everything Janessa is not. He’s kind, sweet, gentle, and a stand-up guy all in all, but when his girlfriend’s betrayal hurts more than his pride, he agrees to take part in a plan that will test both their self-restraints and their feelings for one another. Problems arise, however, when Janessa’s interest for Dakota shifts from being a pawn to achieve her ultimate goal, to potential lover. After having her heart broken in the past, the last thing she wants is to get involved in matters of the heart, but how can she follow through with her plan when the more time she spends with Dakota, the less she cares about getting payback? Sooner rather than later they are forced to confront the reality that their game has slowly transformed into something else and that what seemed like a scheme to exact revenge, now comprises both their hearts in ways neither of them anticipated.

“Trust that no matter what happens, I won’t hate or resent you.” I gave him the green light, but I really shouldn’t have because I needed to sort out my feelings first. Because, even when I tried hard to deny it, there was something about Dakota that I couldn’t just walk away from. There was something about him that I found irresistible. I had no idea what that was or why I insisted on putting myself in a position I might come to regret later, but nothing was lost without a gamble. The deck of cards was in my hands, I just needed to figure out when to make the first move.

“Janessa, this could really turn out to be something neither of us is expecting or is ready for,” he said cautiously. “There’s only so much of me I can give.”

“Yes, and that doesn’t mean it’ll be bad.” Staring directly into his eyes, I added, “Besides, nothing needs to happen. If it does, I’m sure we’re both adult enough to handle it.”

It was not like I was asking for commitment or anything. And nothing was written down so I could either end up with a really good friend, or a good memory of a once lover—hopefully anyway.

“We’ll just have to see,” he finally replied.

“Good. Now take off your shirt and lie down.

Welcome, tell us a little more about yourself?

Hello, my name is Kristy Centeno and I’m currently a published author with seven full-length novels out in the market and one short story. I’m an avid reader, hard working mother of 5 whose busy schedule keeps me on my feet for long hours, but in spite of this I wouldn’t change it for anything. I think that far from being exhausted, keeping busy is what keeps me motivated to get up and work harder each and every day.

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

Being a writer, in the true sense of the word, was not something I considered that much. I loved to write and did so often, but I never imagined I would be able to transfer my first manuscript into an actual published work one day.

Writing is something I do on the side, during my spare time.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

Perhaps when I finished my first Manuscript, which took almost a year to complete.

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

Blushing Press.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

It depends on my schedule and how complicated the plot may be. If I have the time and the entire story figured out already in my head, it could take anywhere from a six to eight weeks. If I’m short on time and ideas it might take up to six months.

What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

Payback is Sexy, which is the sequel to Payback is Sweet, has already been delivered to my publisher so anyone interested should keep an eye for it. I’m currently working on several sequels, including book three of the Keeper Witches series.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

Yes, I do. There are certain things I need to have before I even start. Alongside me I have to have my tablet (for music purposes), a notebook and pen, and a cup of cold water. I enjoy listening to music while I write because it helps get me in my zone.

The notebook is, of course, to make notes I tend to use in the story later. And I tend to get a little thirsty when I’m typing away so water is a must.

What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

My favorite genres to read are young adult, new adult, paranormal, horror, thrillers, historical romance, chick-lit, fantasy, some steampunk, and on occasion dystopian.

If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why?

Perhaps Europe—France has been a great source of inspiration for me and is one of my favorite countries. I would love to have the opportunity to go there one day—whether in modern times or in the past.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

Find your voice. Don’t give up. Keep pushing forward and always find time to write even if it’s a couple of sentences or a few chapters. Always work to improve your writing skills and don’t be deflated over being rejected. Even the greatest authors of our time were rejected many times before their masterpieces found a permanent home.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

I can never substitute a traditional paperback for an eBook. However, digital books are so much more convenient and take up a lot less space so I have a little of both at my disposal.

What is your favorite book and Why? Have you read it more than once?

Fire and Ice by Kathleen Eagle is definitely number one on my list. The combination of historical romance plus contemporary romance is definitely attention grabbing. The main characters are memorable people, worthy of remembering as if they were real and not just fictional individuals.

Kristy Centeno is an author of paranormal romance, young adult, new adult, horror, and contemporary romance. She has always had a passion for books and after years of being an avid reader, she decided to transform her desire to write into a reality and thus, her first novel was born. In her journey to create memorable reads, she has delved into several genres, creating fictional characters meant to entice readers and captivate the mind. She is currently working on finishing off the Keeper Witches series among other projects, which include sequels to her published work. When she’s not busy taking care of her five children or holding down the fort, she finds time to sit and do what she loves the most: writing.